Elaine Paige compares Susan Boyle to ‘a virus’

[HMG] As a child, Susan Boyle idolized Elaine Paige, even miming to her CD’s in her bedroom, with a hairbrush for a microphone.

Ms. Paige, however, does not sound like a fan.

Susan, 48, shot to fame last March when her audition on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ was watched more than 120-million times on ‘You Tube,’ in the US alone.

This instant success was then capped last Christmas when Susan shared a duet with her childhood idol – on her own TV show.

Next came the album: ‘I Dreamed a Dream,’ which is now the fastest-selling debut by a solo female performer since records began, and should earn Susan well over $8-million in its first six-months of release.

That’s about half what 61-year old Elaine has earned in 40-years as a singer. And Ms. Paige is not pleased;

“She’s like a virus,” Elaine tells the Mail. “She spread across the world in a nanosecond. She has no experience of anything to do with theatrics, the music business or art in any way. I don’t feel any pride for her – I’m sure she’s proud of what she’s done.”

Elaine was then asked if she thought Susan’s fame would last? And try this bunch for sour grapes:

“She’s a star because of YouTube. Longevity is gained through knowledge, experience and effort. When I started, ‘YouTube’ didn’t exist, but even with 15 years experience prior to my success with Evita it was difficult.”

Pausing only to clean up her claws, the covetous crooner then mused;

“Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘The X Factor’ just take a bunch of people who think they can sing and try and turn them into overnight “stars.” with a few songs. [she  laughs] It’s not entertainment.”

I think that ranks among the most borderline-spiteful, ungracious, jealousy-riddled denouncements of a fellow performer I’ve ever encountered.

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